NBA notebook: Bird's exit at Indiana becomes official

Thursday

Larry Bird, citing health issues, officially stepped down as head of basketball operations for the Indiana Pacers yesterday and was replaced by former team president Donnie Walsh.

Larry Bird, citing health issues, officially stepped down as head of basketball operations for the Indiana Pacers yesterday and was replaced by former team president Donnie Walsh.

In a further shakeup of the team’s front office, Kevin Pritchard was named general manager, replacing David Morway, who resigned on Tuesday.

Bird, 55, who said he might need shoulder surgery and has long-standing discomfort from old back injuries, is coming off a playoff season for the Pacers that earned him this year’s NBA Executive of the Year award.

Notable

Pat Cummings, who played with five NBA teams over a 12-year career after being selected Metro Conference Player of the Year at the University of Cincinnati, was found dead in a New York apartment, according to police. He was 55. Cummings, a native of Johnstown, Pa., was found Tuesday afternoon, police said yesterday. They said the cause of death was to be determined, but foul play wasn’t suspected. A two-time all-conference selection, Cummings averaged 17.1 points and 8.3 rebounds during his four seasons with the Bearcats (1975-76 to 1978-79). He was drafted by Milwaukee in the third round and also played for Dallas, the New York Knicks, Miami and Utah.